The meaning of PORTENTOUS is of, relating to, or constituting a portent. How to use portentous in a sentence. Did you know? Synonym Discussion of Portentous.

PORTENTOUS definition: 1. too serious and trying to be very important: 2. Portentous events, statements, or signs are…. Learn more.

If someone's way of speaking, writing, or behaving is portentous, they speak, write, or behave more seriously than necessary because they want to impress other people.

Use the adjective portentous to describe something that seems to be a sign related to a future event — generally an ominous sign. Something that is portentous often seems to hint at or …

1. of the nature of a portent; momentous. 2. ominously significant or indicative: a portentous defeat. 3. solemnly self-important; pompous. 4. marvelous; amazing; prodigious. [1530–40; < …

Portentous definition: . See examples of PORTENTOUS used in a sentence.

There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective portentous. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

PORTENTOUS definition: of momentous or ominous significance | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples in American English

(literary) important as a sign or a warning of something that is going to happen in the future, especially when it is something unpleasant. (formal, disapproving) very serious and intended …

Arousing awe or amazement; marvelous. Full of unspecifiable significance; exciting wonder and awe. Marked by pompousness; pretentiously weighty. Then I assumed a rather portentous …